LCFC Squad Lands In Leuven For OH Leuven Test
The Foxes swapped scorching temperatures in Évian-les-Bains, on Lake Geneva, for Leuven’s slightly milder conditions on Friday, ready to meet another member of the King Power family this weekend.
Saturday’s clash with OH Leuven – who are heading into their third successive season in their country’s top flight – kicks off at 1pm BST at King Power At Den Dreef Stadion.
In contrast to Évian’s awe-inspiring natural views, City’s players will now spend the next 24 hours based amid the stunning architecture and character of one Belgium’s most historic university cities.
It’s a busy schedule for the Club’s travelling party in Belgium. Firstly, Brendan Rodgers – alongside Timothy Castagne and Dennis Praet – are scheduled to attend the inauguration of a community-funded football pitch in the Casablanca district of Kessel-Lo in eastern Leuven on Friday evening.
It’s a project which was part-funded by OH Leuven staff, offering an insight into the charitable thread which runs through King Power’s sporting institutions – sharing several similarities with Leicester City.
Speaking at the conclusion of City’s training camp in France, and looking ahead to this weekend’s events in Leuven, Rodgers told LCFC TV: “We’re going to play OHL and I’m really looking forward to going to Leuven.
“I haven’t been across there myself yet, but we’ve had the staff over to Seagrave and it’s been great to meet them. We’ve had lots of conversations, so I’m really looking forward to going and playing the team, and it’ll be a test for us because they’re three weeks ahead of us.”
Former Foxes captains Matt Elliott and Steve Walsh have also made the trip to the Flanders region of Belgium, along with hundreds of LCFC fans, and they will both attend a special ‘Fan Day’ on Saturday.
An array of activities – including signing sessions, live music and Q&As – will take place at Den Dreef, as well as some surprises throughout the day for those planning to be there in person.
The match itself, on the other hand, will be broadcast live and for free on LCFC TV and @LCFC on YouTube, including a one-hour preview show filmed pitchside at the home of OH Leuven.
Please note, the game will comprise of two 45-minute halves and 30 additional minutes to give players as many minutes as possible. After full-time, as Leicester’s players return to temperatures over 30 degrees Celsius in the UK, the festivities in Leuven will continue into the night for OH Leuven and City fans.
Don’t forget, we’ll be there throughout the weekend with updates on LCFC.com and @LCFC social media, alongside usual matchday updates from the Club’s second pre-season friendly of the summer.